JOURNAL OF REV. FRANCIS ASBURY, BISHOP OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. In Three Volumes. VOLUME II. FROM JANUARY 1, 1787, TO DECEMBER 31, 1800. New-York: PUBLISHED BY LANE & SCOTT, JOSEPH LONGKING, PRINTER. JOURNAL OF THE REV. FRANCIS ASBURY. VIRGINIA.-January 1, 1787. Preached at brother Moss's on 2 Chronicles xv, 12, 13, on the people's entering into covenant with God. Tuesday, 2. We rode near fifty miles on our way to Westmoreland; next day, by hard riding, we came to Pope's, in Westmoreland; but I have not been more weary many times in my life. Saturday and Sunday. Attended the quarterly meeting in the Northern Neck: there were many simple and loving testimonies delivered in the love-feast. Thursday, 11. Rode through the snow to Fairfield. Here a Captain R. had turned the people out of the barn in which worship was held, and threatened to take brother Paup to jail if he did not show his authority for preaching; after all this vapouring of the valiant Captain, when the affair was brought before the court, Captain R- found it convenient to ask pardon of our brother, although he sat upon the bench in his own cause:-so the matter ended. The Lord is at work in the Neck: more than one hundred have been added to the society since conference, who are a simple, loving, tender people. We had a good time on Friday, the 12th; I spoke on Acts xxvi, 18. I think God has spoken by me to S- -s, a -but the Lord can tame him. O Lord, speak for wild manthyself! Sunday, 14. We had a crowd at the Presbyterian meetinghouse in Lancaster, to whom I delivered a very rough discourse it was a close and searching time, and we had many communicants, both white and coloured. Tuesday, 16. Preached at the church on the love of Christ. I find it hard to the flesh to ride fifteen or twenty miles every day, and perform the duties of my station; especially when indisposed and suffering therefrom the bodily pain incident thereto. Lord, give me patience! I feel uncommon affection for the people here. Wednesday, 17. I had a crowd of careless sinners at Mrs. Ball's, who is a famous heroine for Christ. A lady came by craft and took her from her own house, and with tears, threats, and entreaties, urged her to desist from receiving the preachers, and Methodist preaching; but all in vain. She had felt the sting of death some years before, and was a most disconsolate soul; having now found the way, she would not depart therefrom. Thursday, 18. Rode ten miles to the ferry; but being unable to cross, I returned to Mrs. B.'s: next morning I came away before day, and reached Shackford's. Saturday, 20. Preached at Douglas's-very low in body and spirit. Sunday and Monday, 21, 22. Cold times in religion in this circuit, (Gloucester,) compared with the great times we have had in Lancaster. Tuesday, 23. Came off early, and preached in Yorktown to some well-behaved women. Dined with Mr. Mitchell, and went on to dear brother Weldon's, whose heart and hands were open. Wednesday, 24. According to appointment, I attended at Williamsburg. I had about five from the country, and about fifteen hearers from the town, besides a few blacks and children. I spoke with freedom on, "They made light of it." I returned through the rain, but hope to receive no harm. "He guards our souls, he keeps our breath, Where thickest dangers come: Go, and return; secure from death, Till God commands thee home." Friday, 26. We waited four hours in the rain before we could cross the ferry at old Jamestown; it was two hours after night when we came to brother Moring's. Tuesday, 30. We held a quarterly meeting at Craney Island; the weather prevented many from attending. I was blessed in the company of the preachers. Wednesday, 31. I enlarged on, "What shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel of God?" I observed to them that the Gospel had once been taken away from them; and that they ought to lay it seriously to heart, lest it should be the case again. We had some quickening in the sacrament and at the love-feast. Thence I went through Portsmouth, and preached on, "Ye are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." Saturday, February 3. Visited my old friend Fullford: he is feeble in body, and not much at ease in his worldly possessions, yet happy in God. Brother Poythress frightened me with the idea of the Great Swamp, the east end of the Dismal; but I could not consent to ride sixty miles round; so we ventured through, and neither we nor our horses received any injury. Praise the Lord! Our passing unharmed through such dangers and unhealthy weather, feelingly assures me that I am kept by the immediate interposition of His providence. I preached in the new chapel. I hope not in vain. I am now surrounded with waters and hideous swamps, near the head of Pasquotank River. NORTH CAROLINA.—Thursday, 8. Came on, wet and unwell, to Proby's. Went on to Nixonton, where I had many to hear, and was blessed in my own soul, and, I think, spoke to the cases of some of my audience. Friday, 9. I had a long ride of nearly fifty miles to Gates |